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- Bios update causes switch back to S Mode in Windows 11 and l...

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09-10-2022 02:53 PM
My new laptop came with Windows 11 in S Mode. I turned off S mode in order to run Chrome, Firefox and other software that is not available in the Microsoft Store but first I updated the bios from the HP site.
While I was initially able to take the laptop out of S Mode, after the bios update the laptop reverted to S Mode, and is now stays locked into S Mode.
I tried a solution that was posted here a couple of years ago and must only deal with Windows 10 S Mode. The solution suggests resetting the Store, which does not work. Am I stuck with S Mode now..which will mean I will return the laptop, or is there a solution to this OTHER THAN resetting the Store.?
09-11-2022 02:33 AM
Hello @Spartan75
Sorry to hear that you are having problems ... I would like to help you.
The official documentation from Microsoft:
Switching out of S mode in Windows
Please report your results
Kind regards
09-11-2022 06:04 AM
I tried this multiple times and it says "working on it" for hours.
I have reset the store with the Store UI and the command line - neither corrected the problem.
It seems that the bios update causes S Mode to revert and be locked.
09-11-2022 11:34 AM - edited 09-11-2022 11:34 AM
Hello @Spartan75
(1) Test your hardware Using the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI)
--->>> Perform <all> tests
https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_2854458-2733239-16
See section <Running HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI tests when Windows doesn't start>
See how it works:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14GKIpGPNRM
(2) Please report your results ( error messages, take pictures )
09-11-2022 01:58 PM
Hello @Spartan75
Just run the <HP Diagnostics UEFI> at boot time (it is operating system independent) and it is already installed.
Kind regards
09-11-2022 04:56 PM
I ran both the fast and thorough system tests. Both report that everything is OK with the hardware.
The built in diagnostics report that there is a new version, however it is not possible to get it because the Store will not permit a download and I can’t turn off S Mode.
I considered trying to roll back the bios to the one that was on the laptop when I got it. It makes no sense to do that as a trial and error, though. Are we able to confirm an issue with the latest bios, or is the issue that any and every bios update breaks the S MODE as other posts suggest?
09-12-2022 12:06 AM
Hello @Spartan75
Repair Windows |
(1) Open cmd.exe (right click) as administrator and execute:
sfc /scannow
(2) Reboot
(3) Open cmd.exe (right click) as administrator and execute:
msdt.exe /id WindowsUpdateDiagnostic
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
(4) Reboot
(5) Please report your results
09-13-2022 06:14 AM
When I attempt to run CMD, I receive the same message..
The blue box says what it always does when attempting to run anything that is not a store app…it tells me how, which is to open the store app and click Get. I have done this at least 5 times now, and the system just hangs on that screen showing “working on it”
09-13-2022 06:22 AM
Ok..I was able to download Powershell from the store. I am permitted to run powershell from S Mode, so I’m doing the tests in powershell. FYI..this is. The only way I am able to get to a Command prompt as an Administrator if Window is locked in S Mode.
Results of test 1 was successful..” no integrity violations”.